Church of Our Lady of the Snows and Franciscan Gardens, Prague

Located at the northern end of Wenceslas Square, you'll stumble upon the quaint Franciscan Gardens and the peculiarly proportioned Church of Our Lady of the Snows—an architectural oddity with a height that defies its length. Legend has it that its moniker hails from the Santa Maria Maggoire Church in Rome, where Saint Mary purportedly summoned snow in August to mark the spot for its construction. Step inside to discover a painting from 1625 by an enigmatic Italian artist, immortalizing this snowy tale.

Founded in 1347 by Charles IV and bequeathed to the Carmelite monks, this grand edifice was intended to be the New Town's crowning jewel—a grandeur cut short by the pesky interruption of the Hussite wars. Yet, despite its incomplete state, the church's nave soars to over 39 meters, a testament to Charles IV's ambitious vision.

Meanwhile, the serene outdoor gardens concealed within an inner courtyard offer respite from busy Wenceslas Square. Here, time slows to a languid pace, as families savor ice cream on quaint benches enveloped by rose-covered lattice fences. The towering windows and crimson rooftops of the imposing church stand guard over the adjacent children's playground, while whimsical sculptures and a bubbling fountain add to the tranquil ambiance. Truly, a serene escape amidst the urban bustle.